what is
Stem Mastering?
Originally published: October 20th, 2024
Read time: 1-Min
What are stems?
In order to answer the question of 'What is Stem Mastering?' we must start by getting one thing straight; what are stems in music? Stems are the individual elements that make up your mix. Such as your kick, snare, lead vocals, guitar etc.
these are stems
Stems for a simple production called 'Riverside Drive'. Displayed in Steinberg Cubase 11.
What is stem mastering?
So when we talk about stem mastering, we are talking about using the stems of the mix to create the final master.
Unlike traditional mastering, which only uses the final mixdown to create the mastered file, stem mastering allows for a more hands-on manipulation of the audio.
While we're here - A mixdown is an audio file that consolidates all of your stems into a single track.
this is a mixdown
The final mixdown of the track 'Riverside Drive'. Displayed in Steinberg Cubase 11.
If you have not purchased a specific stem mastering service, you can assume that you only need to provide a mixdown for your mastering engineer.
